Paradise Ridge Winery

It definitely feels like paradise at Paradise Ridge Winery, located on a 156 acre estate in Sonoma wine country. A great escape, Paradise Ridge Winery has breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the Russian River Valley. This winery is family owned and operated by the Byck family. Walter and Marijke Byck purchased the property and planted the vineyards back in 1978, finally opening the tasting room in May 2006. It seems that every time I visit this winery I find another great bottle to talk about. I couldn't let this year go by without blogging a recent Rockpile wine find at Paradise Ridge Winery.

On my most recent trip out to Paradise Ridge Winery I was able to meet up with one of the family owners, Rene Byck son to Walter and the late Marijke Byck.

He was very generous that afternoon giving me an incredible tour of the vineyards and grounds. He led me through a tasting of their bottles and this Rhone Rockpile blend blew me away!

Paradise Ridge

2012 Sonoma County Rockpile

The Posse

$60.00 a bottle

This Rockpile is a blend of mostly Syrah with small amounts of Petite Sirah, Grenache and Zinfandel. These Rockpile grapes come from the Branham Vineyards that sit 1500 feet above sea level on steep, rocky terraces over looking Lake Sonoma. This steep, rocky terrain causes these grape vines to be stressed which creates intense bold flavors in the fruit. The Posse has aromas of blackberries, black cherries and chocolate. Tasting first black cherries, black currant and hints of herbs. The blend finishes with intense flavors of earthiness, minerality and rock. A beautiful bottle! Wines that come from the Rockpile appellation always amaze me. The winemaker Dan Barwick puts so much passion and quality into these bottles.

Paradise Ridge is also known for their indoor and outdoor tasting room, so you can be guaranteed an incredible view while you taste their wines. Their "Wine and Sunsets" are on Wednesday evenings that run May thru October. You can enjoy one of their bottles on their deck and watch a beautiful sunset. Paradise Ridge offers a Wine and Artisan Cheese tasting daily by appointment. Also on your visit to Paradise Ridge, you can take a self guided tour of their sculpture garden exhibit. A definite must stop in Sonoma wine country for great wines and a little piece of Paradise!